Probable cause hearing next for local teen accused of shooting mom

A Willard teenager accused of shooting his mother in the back was found to be competent Tuesday at a Huron County Juvenile Court hearing.

Michael Mason, 16, of 23 N. Main St., was evaluated by two different professionals and found to be competent to understand the charges, according to Chris Mushett, juvenile court administrator.

Mushett said Judge Timothy Cardwell then ruled Mason was competent and set a probably cause hearing for 9 a.m. Oct. 31.

"That hearing could take all day," Mushett said.

At that probably cause hearing, if probable cause is determined, Mason likely will have his case transferred to the Huron County Common Pleas Court, where he will be charged with attempted murder and tried as an adult.

If the case remains at the juvenile level, Mason would face a delinquency charge.

Mason was accused of shooting his mother, Melissa Mason, on May 30 at their Willard home.

Mason then fled and an extensive manhunt took place. The Willard schools and some local businesses were locked down during the pursuit.